Pattern Review: Closet Case Files Sallie Jumpsuit

It’s been a while since I’ve posted a pure pattern review, and I thought I would capture (and share) my thoughts on the Sallie Jumpsuit by Closet Case Files. I have been eyeing this pattern for the last year, and when I wanted something special for my birthday – I thought SURE this would be an easy and satisfying sew… Well, I can now say – yes, it is easy and satisfying – but it is ALLLLLL about the fabric you select!

Pattern Description:

With just the right amount of 70’s mojo, the Sallie Jumpsuit and Maxi dress is a chic and comfortable wardrobe staple; it’s easy to wear, easy to make, and easy to slip on and off in the ladies room.

Designed for light to medium weight knits, Sallie features a number of customizable options. Choose between a self lined V-neck kimono tee with tie neck closure, or a strappy tank with shoulder ties. On your bottom half, mix and match wide leg pants, culottes or a maxi skirt with side slits, all with convenient pockets and a comfortable elasticized waist.

Pattern Sizing:

0-20 (I sewed up a size 6 – see my standard adjustments for reference) – my waist measurement falls well out of the range for this size, however, I just cut my elastic looser and made no other adjustments

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

It looked EXACTLY like it – Its stunning, and moves wonderfully if you select a fabric with the right amount of drape.

Were the instructions easy to follow?

Yes, they were exceptionally clear – a beginner could easily tackle this pattern, presuming they were comfortable with the types of fabrics that would work best. I used a shifty super lightweight rayon lycra that I received in a Knitpop mystery box, and it was a bit of a bear to get the settings right on my serger.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I was REALLY concerned about how wide the shoulders were – until I realized that not only is that necessary to get in and out of the jumpsuit (see my last post to see how I figured that out), but with the straps in the back you are PERFECTLY secure. I’m thrilled it worked out, and the tie is a nice detail. I am going to create a ribbon bra strap snap thing (official term?) to hold my bra strap in place, but that’s just a personal preference – and probably not entirely necessary for most.

I also thought the use of clear elastic or interfacing (i used knit interfacing) resulted in a garment with pockets and a neckline that lay really nicely. I was surprised at how well the back of the garment laid, despite my sway back, but my guess is that I my bust and tummy are both using up the ease. Haha – what a great “problem” to have!

Lastly – I really like the lined bodice and the finishing of the neckline and armholes. There is a clever trick for sewing the shoulder seams together. I didn’t grade my seam thereafter, so I am sure that’s resulting in a little more bulk there than I would like.

One thing to note is that if you have a normal or long torso, you might want to increase the bodice length. I would definitely recommend a muslin, as I typically would need my bodice waist shortened 1.5″ for my petite-high waisted adjustment (and also the front lengthened with an FBA) – but in this case I did neither, and it still worked fine.

Fabric Used:

A mystery rayon spandex knit I received in a Knitpop auction box

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

None – though I really should

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

Absolutely!

Conclusion:

I would honestly love another one of these in a classic black that can be dressed up or down. I’m thinking I will give bamboo spandex a try if I find the right fabric. Let me know if you have any sources!

I’m sooo there with you! I’ve got the wine on its way… still need to get a navy so I can copy Katie’s awesome version… I’m going to have to work really hard to not end up with like 10 of these in my wardrobe! 😂